Ford offered the unique and impressive retractable hardtop option for only three years, from 1957 to 1959. Ford pushed the styling and engineering envelope with the first mass-produced retractable hardtop, the Fairlane 500 Skyliner. The Skyliner retractable hardtop was designed to function with precision accuracy. The top operating system is driven by seven specially designed, high-efficiency motors that were sealed, permanently lubricated and all were protected by circuit breakers. In less than a minute, the Skyliner driver could literally transform his coupe into a true convertible.

The Ford styling team had to stretch the tail of the standard Fairlane convertible about three-inches and raised the rear deck to allow enough room for the stowed top. The fuel tank had to be relocated behind the rear seat while the spare tire went under the trunk floor, where the fuel tank had been. Ford touted the Skyliner “represents the beginning of a new era in automotive design…the most dramatic idea in automobile design since Ford presented the first two-door sedan in 1915.”

Presented in the same color combination that it left the Kansas City factory, this 1957 Ford “Retractable” has been cosmetically restored and experienced one repaint in Coral Sand and Colonial White. The data tag also shows that this particular car left the factory with code BG Brown Airweave Vinyl, which is reported as being redone to the proper specifications. The chromed trim elements have also been re-plated recently. This Fairlane 500 is powered by a 292-cid, 190-hp V-8 engine that is paired with an automatic transmission. Along with the featured power-operated one-piece hardtop, this Skyliner also has power steering, AM radio, factory hubcaps, plus optional whitewall tires and Lifeguard safety-padded dash and sunvisors.

In 1957, Ford produced a total of over 1.7 million vehicles; the Fairlane 500 series had 637,161 cars offered, of which the modest number of 20,766 represented the Skyliner production total. Far fewer have survived; they are a respected and sought-after platform that is always welcomed warmly at a large variety of car shows and gatherings.